California opens book on offshore

The California Intergovernmental Renewable Energy Task Force has held its first meeting to look into wind and wave energy development opportunities in the federal waters off the state’s coast.

The task force will seek to identify potential areas that may be suitable for renewable energy research or commercial development.

It will facilitate coordination and communication between the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) and state, local, and tribal governments and other federal agencies concerning potential renewable energy leases, the bureau said.

California is the 14th US coastal state to form a renewable energy task force to provide critical information to the decision-making process on such projects, it said.

The west coast of the US and Hawaii hold great renewable energy potential, according to the National Renewable Energy Laboratory. Areas off California have the technical potential to generate about 392TWh of electricity from offshore wind per year, it said.

BOEM is responsible for the granting of leases, easements and rights-of-way for offshore renewable energy development activities on the US’ Outer Continental Shelf.

It has awarded 11 commercial offshore wind leases to date.

“California looks forward to working with BOEM on the task force and engaging in further dialogue on the potential of offshore renewable energy and the planning, permitting, and coordination issues associated with this technology,” California energy commissioner Karen Douglas said.

“California is currently implementing a comprehensive set of climate change policies, including 50% renewable energy target by 2030, and we are interested in learning about how offshore wind could play a role in helping achieve our climate and renewable energy goals.”

Image: ReNEWS